Absolutely Almost

Publisher's Summary

Albie has never been the smartest kid in his class. He has never been the tallest. Or the best at gym. Or the greatest artist. Or the most musical. In fact, Albie has a long list of the things he's not very good at. And his parents keep reminding him of those things all the time...even when it's just by accident. But then Albie gets a new babysitter, Calista, who helps him figure out all of the things he is good at and how he can take pride in himself. A perfect companion to Lisa Graff's A Tangle of Knots, this novel explores a similar theme in a realistic contemporary world where kids will easily be able to relate their own struggles to Albie's. Once again, Graff crafts a beautiful novel about figuring out who you are and doing what you love.

©2014 Lisa Graff (P)2014 Recorded Books

Beautifully performed, great book

The narration was spot on--you really believed he was a 10 year old boy, plus he was able to keep the separate characters differentiated.
The book consists of little vignettes in the life of a 5th grader who is a little bit delayed in reading and school subjects, and it is clear that his parents are disappointed in him.The parents are portrayed as loving, but clueless in understanding their child. When a babysitter comes into his life who he can trust, he begins to learn more about how to navigate the tough world of school.
Kids will come away from this book realizing that a good character (kindness, responsibility) is the thing that counts, and not how fast you can do math. A good message all around, and a wonderfully written story of overcoming obstacles when young. Can be read or listened to by 3rd graders up to adult.

16 of 16 people found this review helpful

Go back to being a kid again!

This book for me was just pure fun. The writing was great, it really allowed me to view life from the point of view of a young boy again, and the narration was perfect.

It also shows that life really never changes. The problems and issues that this young boy has to deal with are simply replaced by more adult themes as we get older.

This is a fun, and funny book, which allowed me to laugh and escape from my adult life and issues for a few hours. I totally enjoyed the time away from my reality.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Cute with attention to detail

I ALMOST quit listening to this book in the first half hour, but decided to stick with it, and I do not regret the decision.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

My KIds Love This Book

Would you listen to Absolutely Almost again? Why?

Yes, two of my boy's (12 and 10) insist on listening to it every time they get in my car.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Albie of course, he's terrific and Noah Galvin brings him to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I like those segments that contrast Albie's honest sensibilities with the other student's sometimes capricious conclusions. For example when Darren de-friends Albie for lying about being friends with Erlahn. Or when Albie is just trying to help Betsy "be cool".

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bittersweet Story, Great Narrator

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character is Callista. She's the nanny/baby sitter most of us would like to have had!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Albie discovers that his father has no idea that he has already gotten him the plane toy the year before, with the same promise to spend quality time together in building it. The kid's reaction and the father's complete inattentiveness struck me as too painfully real.

Any additional comments?

Absolutley... almost! ;-) Kidding, absolutely. Galvin's performance is really great, he seems totally into it, possibly because he has liked the book.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

very easy read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

i got this book after reading the perks of being a wall flower, i figured same narrator might as well. i didn't expect much when i first started reading but this book turned out to be great its a book that can be enjoyed by all ages i even recommended this book to my English teacher.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Absolutely Almost?

no spoilers

What does Noah Galvin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

he has life in his voice he's my favorite narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no spoilers

Any additional comments?

this book is worth the read

11 of 13 people found this review helpful

A long uncomfortable wait for a happy ending

This book was tough for me to listen to. It was about a misunderstood kid who struggled with measuring up to his peers and parents. He had two working parents who didn’t spend enough time with him. Albie was isolated and it got to a point in the book where I was just sobbing. I’m a special Ed teacher so I can see the importance of analyzing and being aware of all perspectives so that we can do a better job of reaching and supporting their needs. But I picked it up as a light read and I’m a bit traumatized. There was no abuse or severe trauma, but it encapsulates so many experiences children have in being neglected and rejected by peers and adults in their lives. And our children are precious so it was painful to listen to what we as adults inflict on our children. It was well written and so sadly true to the world today. And I’m glad it had a happy ending, but it was a painful listen.

Almost amazing

This isa great book I have listened to it many a times.the ending is very sad but it makes me happy in a way.

Book review

Don't recommend for children younger then 6 amazing book very funny happy and a sad story

Good book

This story does great job portraying the main character thoughts and feelings in a realistic way. It was almost too painful to listen to because,
while the kid is loved, he is often misunderstood and neglected by his parents. Even though one of my sons is 10 and has learning difficulties I think this book would be too upsetting for him to listen to. My son who is 12 and has mild autism, however, might enjoy this book. It felt like a cautionary tale for me, as a parent to really go the extra mile to understand my children's challenges, frustrations and what makes them joyful.